Snowmass Mountain And Ski Terrain

Snowmass in the Colorado Rocky Mountains is famous for long, blissfully wide blue cruisers that seem to go forever that are perfect for families and big turns with the 3rd longest lift-served vertical drop in North America of 4,406 ft (1,343 m). Snowmass covers 3332 acres (1348 hectares) and is crisscrossed by 96 trails that total 147 miles (237 km) in length. Its 21 lifts include the 8-passenger Elk Camp Gondola. The lengthiest run is 5.3 miles (8.5 km).

Snowmass is ideal for families as it is built for intermediates and newbies – its seriously good blue groomers and impressive beginner facilities make it one of the best places to learn, build confidence, and progress.

For the more advanced, you are acted for as well with 3 terrain parks designed to suit all levels and the double black diamond terrain at Snowmass packs a punch, the steepest pitches are up to 40 degrees and there are many thrilling glades off several ridges.

Is Snowmass Good For Beginners?

If you are new to skiing and riding, you are in for a treat as you get to ride the Elk Camp Gondola and take in the views, as, unlike most ski areas, you’ll be based up the mountain at Elk Camp, which is a purpose-built learning facility with surface lifts with access to gentle terrain to introduce you to the sport, the right way. The other beginner skiing zones are located at Assay Hill and Fanny Hill.

Is Snowmass Good For Intermediates?

Intermediates are in for a blast of a day, with long wide open impeccably groomers slopes to choose from. After some warm up laps on the Village Express Lift, head over to Big Burn and find your perfect run from the several blue options. Next head for some laps skiers right over to Sheer Bliss. When that’s tracked out, head across to Alpine Springs lift for more fun blues. Then while your legs can still handle it, from the top of the lift head skiers right down Turkey Trot to Elk Camp for laps on it, and be sure to hit Bull Run a few times.

Snowmass is built for intermediates and newbies – its seriously good blue groomers and impressive beginner facilities make it one of the best places to learn, build confidence, and progress. Turkey Trot, Cascade, Creekside, and Lunkerville are some lovely long runs to seek out.

Is Snowmass Good For Advanced And Experts?

Advanced skiers and riders will love exploring the top of Snowmass regions off the High Alpine, The Cirque, Big Burn, and Sam’s Knob. For those that like their glades, make sure you explore Coney Glade, Frog Pond, and Burnt Mountain Glades.

When it comes to black diamond terrain, Snowmass has some beauties to test your technique to the max. Steep trees such as Hanging Valley Glades, Frog Pond Glades, Baby Ruth, and The Edge are among those that can result in thrilling heart-in-mouth moments. On another ridge, names like Free Fall and Hang On off Sheer Bliss Lift say it all.

The Cirque Lift is the highest point on Snowmass – 12,510 feet (3612 meters) – and has some tricky drops off the High Alpine traverse. The Headwall and Hanging Valley offer cliff jumps and chutes. A word of advice: don’t be fooled by the flat terrain at the entry to The Cirque’s Poma lift. While it looks enticingly benign, the Experts Only sign at the entry to the Poma lift is there for good reason!

What Are The Three Terrain Parks Like At Snowmass?

There are 3 terrain parks for all levels. There’s a Superpipe at the Snow Park Technologies-designed Snowmass Park, a quarterpipe at Makaha Park, and easier rails to learn the basics in Lowdown Park.

Is Snowmass Good For Families?

Snowmass Ski Resort is one of the best family ski areas and offers a world-class family experience on and off Snowmass Mountain and is one of the most popular family-friendly ski resorts in North America. Snowmass often wins or ranks in the top 3 family-friendly resorts in North America. On the mountain, family-friendly activities include the various kids’ ski trails, slow family skiing zones, tubing, Breathtaker Alpine Coaster, children’s race area a Lizard Lodge. Off the mountain, there are a heap more Snowmass things to do and activities like ice skating, snowcat dinner rides, and indoor rock climbing.

What Is The Snowmass Village Area Like At Snowmass?

The ski in ski out Snowmass Village area is well set up to cater to families with dedicated family ski areas. There is an award-winning Snowmass kid-friendly Ski School and award-winning Treehouse Kids Adventure Center. If you planning an extended stay, and we recommend you do, make sure you have kitchen facilities in your lodging as there are not as many Snowmass dining options as in the neighboring downtown Aspen.

Other Things To Know About Snowmass

There are four mountains, which means three other ski areas you can visit on your lift pass with a short drive or shuttle ride. Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk, and Aspen Mountain (Ajax to the locals). Aspen Highlands is famous for the opportunity to go on a literally breathtaking hike into Highlands Bowl and offers more advanced terrain. Buttermilk offers more gentle terrain and is great for families and thrillers of terrain parks as Buttermilk is the home to the Winter X Games each year. Aspen Mountain rises up above the old silver mining historic and picturesque town of Aspen and offers intermediate to advanced skiing and riding experience. Snowmass ski resort and Snowmass Village is a definite must experience bucket list ski vacation destination.

 

Snowmass Mountain Quick Stats

Skiable Terrain	1360 hectares / 3,362 acres
Vertical	4,406 ft / 1,343 m
Top Elevation	12,510 ft / 3,810 m
Base Elevation	8,104 ft / 2,470 m
Beginner Terrain	6%
Intermediate Terrain	47%
Advanced Terrain	17%
Trails	94
Parks	3
Pipes	2
Winter lifts Total	21
Gondolas Trams	2
Chair Lifts	15
Surface Lifts	4
Longest Run	5.3 mi / 8.5 km
Mountain Restaurants	38
Snowmaking	657 ac (266 hectares)
Season Opens	20 November* (*estimate)
Season Closes	20 April* (*estimate)

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